What happens when we stop avoiding the conversation about dementia and start talking about it?
For many families, dementia can be difficult to talk about. A change in memory may be dismissed as ageing. A diagnosis may feel frightening. Family members may not know what to say, what support is available or how life will change.
But silence can make an already difficult experience harder.
This Dementia Action Week, 21–27 September 2026, Dementia Australia is encouraging Australians to have more open conversations about dementia under the theme “It’s time to talk about dementia.”
And that conversation matters.
Dementia Is Not Simply a Normal Part of Ageing
One of the most important conversations we can have is about what dementia actually means.
Dementia is not one specific disease. It describes a collection of symptoms associated with changes in memory, thinking, communication and other cognitive abilities that can affect everyday life.
It can affect people in different ways, and it is not simply a normal part of getting older. Dementia Australia also highlights that dementia can affect younger adults, including people under 65.
Understanding this can help families recognise when it may be time to seek professional advice rather than simply assuming that changes are part of ageing.
Why Talking About Dementia Matters
Dementia Australia estimates that 446,500 Australians are currently living with dementia, while more than 1.7 million people are involved in their care.
Behind those numbers are people.
Parents.
Partners.
Grandparents.
Friends.
Neighbours.
Carers.
And families learning how to navigate a changing situation together.
When dementia is not discussed openly, people can feel isolated or uncertain about where to turn.
Dementia Australia says that talking about dementia can help improve understanding, reduce stigma and improve access to support and services.
That is why starting a conversation can be such an important first step.
The Challenge Isn’t Only Dementia — It’s What Comes With It
A diagnosis can affect much more than memory.
Families may need to adapt routines, communicate differently, consider changes in daily activities and find ways to maintain meaningful connection.
For a person living with dementia, changes in communication can sometimes make everyday interactions more challenging.
That is where patience, understanding and person-centred support become important.
Instead of focusing only on what someone can no longer do, support should also recognise what they can still do, what they enjoy, what matters to them and how they want to participate in everyday life.
Dementia Australia recommends listening respectfully, allowing people time and space to contribute, paying attention to body language and adapting communication as needs change.
Creating More Dementia-Friendly Communities
Support should not stop at home or within a care setting.
Our communities can also play an important role.
A dementia-friendly community is one where people living with dementia are treated with respect, supported to remain connected and given opportunities to participate in community life.
Sometimes that can be as simple as:
- Taking the time to listen.
- Speaking clearly and patiently.
- Giving someone more time to respond.
- Helping someone remain connected to activities they enjoy.
- Creating environments that are easier to navigate.
- Showing kindness instead of making assumptions.
- Checking in when someone appears to be withdrawing from the community.
These small actions can help people feel included rather than excluded.
Support Should Protect Dignity, Choice and Connection
For people receiving disability or community support, quality care is about more than completing daily tasks.
It is about understanding the person behind the support plan.
For someone living with dementia, that can mean supporting familiar routines, encouraging participation, respecting personal choices and creating opportunities for meaningful connection.
At Nurse Assist 24/7, our approach to support is centred on the individual — recognising their needs, preferences and goals while providing compassionate and respectful support.
Every person deserves to be treated with dignity.
Every person deserves to be heard.
And every person deserves opportunities to remain connected to the people and community around them.
What Can You Do During Dementia Action Week?
You don’t need to be a dementia specialist to make a difference.
Start with a conversation.
If dementia is affecting someone you know, don’t be afraid to ask how they are going.
Listen.
Learn.
Avoid making assumptions.
Give them time to express themselves.
And if you or someone close to you needs information or support, seek help from appropriate professionals and organisations.
Dementia Australia provides information, advice and support through its National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It’s Time to Talk About Dementia
Dementia Action Week is not simply about raising awareness for one week.
It is an opportunity to change the way we talk about dementia — and the way we respond to people living with it.
The more we understand, the easier it becomes to replace uncertainty with compassion, stigma with understanding and isolation with connection.
So this September, let’s start the conversation.
Ask questions. Listen. Learn. Support.
Because when we talk about dementia, we make it easier for people affected by dementia to know that they are not alone and that support is available.
It’s time to talk about dementia.
Need support for yourself or someone you care about?
Nurse Assist 24/7 provides person-centred support designed around individual needs, goals and circumstances.
Learn more about our support services or contact our team to discuss how we may be able to help.